Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love-kindle (50 page)

Laughing softly, Lady Ashcroft responded, “Due to his injury, he is a bit dizzy and having some problems getting dressed. One of your servants proposed his aid, and last I looked, the man was entering Marshall’s rooms with shaving implements. I think he is annoyed at having to have assistance. You know how he often boasts of not having a valet travel with him.”

“I am sure Landers will have him ready shortly,” Lady Hawthorne stated. “He was a valet for many years, and I asked if he would offer his services.”

Just at that moment, said gentleman appeared at the top of the stairs and swiftly trotted down them, calling out as he came, “Landers is a godsend! If he would agree, I would gladly take him back to London with me. One cannot find valets like him anymore, and that is one reason I do so much for myself.”

“He has lived at this estate almost his entire life, and I fear you will never talk him into leaving. However, I know that he will gladly be of service if you are ever in need of a valet while in Ramsgate.”

“And I would be pleased to have him.”

The Mistress turned to lead the party into the dining room. “Come, let us eat. We have plenty of time before it gets light, and that will give Miss Bennet time to arrive.”

The mention of that young woman brought frowns to all present, and Georgiana spoke for the first time. “Aunt, do you think she will come?”

Audrey took her niece’s hand. “She will come, or we shall go find her. In any event, she will be returning to London with us, as that was her desire.”

“I… I just wonder why she is not here. Did I not hear you tell her to be here at first light? And it is beginning to get light now.”

“I think you are mistaken. It is still dark.” Pushing her niece ahead of her playfully, she added. “Let us cease talking and eat! I want to be ready to leave as soon as Miss Bennet arrives.  I plan to make Ashcroft Park before nightfall.”

As Georgiana hurried on ahead, those left in the circle exchanged worried glances before following after her.

~~~*~~~

London
Holmes House
The Drawing Room

The two women waited patiently as the maid set the tray of refreshments on the table between them, curtsied and quitted the room as quietly as she had entered. As the door clicked shut, proving that it was indeed closed, Mrs. Holmes resumed what she had been saying.

“I cannot believe that you are with child. You still look so slender.”

Madeline Gardiner chuckled. “I can tell a difference, though I can still squeeze into most of my clothes. But my maid is continuing to let out the seams in my gowns so that I may breathe a little easier.” With that she sat up straighter, pressed a hand to her stomach and took a deep breath as if to make a point.

Penelope Holmes patted her friend’s hand thoughtfully before she began pouring the tea. “Sugar? Cream?”

Two nods of agreement found those items added to the hot liquid before the cup was passed to Elizabeth’s aunt. Stirring the tea with the delicate spoon provided, she blew on the contents lightly before taking a sip and then sighed in contentment.

“I believe this is just what I needed today.”  

“I also cannot believe that you insisted on attending your sister in your delicate condition. It is a wonder that Edward would let you go.”

Madeline smiled, “He is very protective, but I am barely three months at this point, and other than some nausea early on, I have felt remarkably well. In fact, while I stayed with Harriet, with all there was to keep me busy, I almost forgot that I am carrying a child.”

“Well, I shall not scold you further, as you obviously know your own limitations,” she teased before changing the subject. “You were saying that your sister is much better?”

“Harriet gave us quite a scare. For the first few days after Judson’s birth, the doctor was concerned that she displayed a slight fever that he could not arrest. But on the fourth day, it disappeared as suddenly as it had come, and she began progressing normally. Before I left, everything was almost back to normal.”

“I know you were relieved, as I am to hear about it,” Lady Holmes murmured thoughtfully.

Out of the blue, Madeline Gardiner’s expression sobered and her brow furrowed. “I truly hate to bring this up, but I must ask about the note you sent regarding my niece. I came directly here once I read it.”

A shaky hand came to rest on Lady Holmes’ forehead. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I felt sure you would want to know. Alfreda relates that they all shall return to London in a few days, and I could not bear for you to think everything is well when it is not.”

“What exactly did Alfreda say? Has my niece completely ruined her chance to better herself?”

“Alfreda is always very vague. I cannot say for sure that Miss Bennet has squandered her chance, but my cousin’s letter was not encouraging. She hinted that there had been several disagreements between your niece and my nephew during their time in Ramsgate.”

Mrs. Gardiner took a deep breath, puffing her cheeks before releasing it. “I was afraid that Lizzy would not make an effort to be agreeable. Of all my nieces, she is the one most likely to speak up if she disagrees with you. Jane would have been my first choice to meet your cousin, as she is more complacent. She would have heeded my advice and endeavoured to please Lord Wilkens.”

“Then why not bring her to London and introduce her to John?”

“Because I had a letter from my Sister Bennet when I returned, and she bragged of nothing but Jane’s engagement.”

“Engaged? To whom?”

“To a Mr. Bingley, a merchant. But had she come to London with Lizzy, I feel sure she would have impressed your cousin from the start. She would likely be betrothed to him now, rather than the tradesman. While I love my Edward and he has been a sufficient provider, my nieces need to aim higher. Otherwise, if Mr. Bennet were to die, it would place great hardship on us to support Fanny and the girls.”

“Unfortunately, from your descriptions of the younger sisters, John would never consider them.”

“No, Jane and Lizzy were the only ones that could possibly have fit into London society.”

Penelope fiddled with the lace on her sleeves. “I so wanted to help you, my friend, but my cousin will, no doubt, set his sights on another fortunate woman.”

Mrs. Gardiner’s face brightened. “Perhaps all is not lost. Maybe there is still time for me to convince Lizzy to be more agreeable.”

“I am afraid you are being too hopeful.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“There is more you should hear. You realise that I am not one to believe in idle gossip or to pass it along, but—”

The older woman paled. “Tell me.”

“Rumour has it that Lizzy has captured the heart of one of the wealthiest men in all of England.”  She paused, aware that what she next related would hurt deeply. “But, the gentleman’s
wife
is most unhappy and very vocal about it.”

Mrs. Gardiner almost dropped the cup she was holding. “My Lizzy having an affair with a married man? That cannot be. She has been in my company or Miss Wilkens’ since she arrived in London. When would she have had opportunity? Besides, she is not that type of woman; it is simply not in her character.”

“I did not think her capable of it either.”

“Who is the man?”

“Well, if one is to believe Gisela Darcy, and she is hardly a credible source, it is her husband.” There was an audible gasp.

“Fitzwilliam Darcy? I grew up in Lambton, and I remember him and his family as good and decent people. It is no secret that his marriage is a farce, but he has never added to the rumours by carrying on affairs, at least I have never heard of any, whereas Gisela’s liaisons are well-known.”

“That is true.” Penelope Holmes agreed. “Walter, who knows more than I about the circumstances because of his friendship with Colonel Fitzwilliam, has always contended that, in light of how ill that woman has used him, Mr. Darcy is a saint!”

“Besides, it makes no sense. When could he have met my niece? And even if he had met her, why would a man of his wealth and handsome looks be interested in our unruly, outspoken Lizzy? Her beauty is only tolerable, whereas it is no secret that Fitzwilliam Darcy could have his pick of any number of beautiful women if he were so inclined.” She made a clucking sound with her tongue. “No! This cannot be true!”

“I am only relating what is being said. However, Lady Matlock, who is a personal friend, denies there is any truth in the rumours. She contends that Gisela has lost her mind to strong drink, and frankly, that is a distinct possibility. Not one person of my acquaintance can remember even seeing Miss Bennet in Mr. Darcy’s company, other than when I introduced them at my ball. And I found their conversation awkward—like that of perfect strangers.”

“Which I am sure they are!”

“Remember that Lizzy is not the first woman, nor will she be the last, that Gisela has accused of warming her husband’s bed. That harridan is obsessed with anyone she perceives as a threat.”

“But that will not matter to the gossips! Lizzy will be ruined and so will her sisters!” Mrs. Gardiner stood up, her eyes wide now with fright. “How could this have happened under my watch? Once this gossip reaches Meryton, Lizzy’s parents will never speak to me again.”

Penelope stood and gently helped her friend back down in the chair. “Please sit and try to calm yourself. Evelyn Fitzwilliam has been very successful in hushing most of the gossip, though there are always a few who will repeat it until she warns them personally. I strongly believe, however, that there is a solution, and that was my purpose in telling you.”

“Pray tell me what it is!”

“If your niece were to announce her engagement to my cousin as soon as she arrives in London, that will end all the gossip.”

She blinked rapidly as she considered the plan. “You are right. That would quash the gossip, but what if Lord Wilkens is not willing to have Lizzy now? Or what if he hears the rumours and decides she is not worthy of his good opinion?”

“John is awkward with women, and he has not had a lot of luck in the marriage market. I think Lizzy’s lower station gives him more confidence in the relationship, and it would be to his advantage not to have another broken courtship. Besides, Walter has said that our cousin is jealous of many men, Fitzwilliam Darcy among them. It would likely stroke his ego to secure a woman rumoured to be sought after by Mr. Darcy.”

“Good. Good.” Mrs. Gardiner repeated, smoothing her skirts nervously. “My

Sister Bennet and Jane will be here the day after tomorrow to order Jane’s wedding clothes.” She smiled for the first time since learning of Elizabeth’s difficulties with Lord Wilkens. “And Fanny is the one person who can force Lizzy to accept your cousin, especially if it is necessary to keep down a scandal.”

“Then all shall work out for the best!”

“Thank you for helping me to see my way clear in this matter. You are a godsend, Penelope!”

“Maybe just a fairy godmother!”

Both ladies giggled as the hostess warmed their tea by refilling their cups and held out the platter of goodies to her friend.

“Almond biscuits or gingerbread?”

~~~*~~~

Ramsgate
Hawthorne Hall
The Dining Room

Georgiana grew irritated as she studied the faces of those who surreptitiously stole glances at her over the delicate, flowery rims of Lady Hawthorne’s best china. Everyone at the large ornate dining room table had long since finished eating, but each still sipped on a steaming cup of tea. Apparently, being occupied with tea was as good a way as any to keep from talking about the subject presently on everyone’s mind: why had Miss Bennet not yet arrived?  Finally, Georgiana could hold her tongue no more.

“I think Miss Bennet is being held against her will, otherwise she would have come by now. Should we not go to her?”

Audrey Ashcroft sought Lord Landingham’s gaze. She knew that he would be among those protecting them when they confronted John Wilkens, in spite of the fact that he still suffered from the wound inflicted by Wickham. Seeing the resolve in his eyes, she turned and answered her niece. “I believe you may be right. It seems we have no choice but to go to Gatesbridge Manor and learn the truth.” 

Landingham nodded, but before he could say anything, their hostess stood and addressed the footman standing stiffly against the wall. “Send for my guards, have my driver and four of my best marksmen bring the carriage to the front door without delay.”

“You expect trouble?” Audrey enquired as the servant rushed to do the Mistress’ bidding.

“If my nephew is drinking, we may face strong opposition. John has been beyond the reach of reason for some time. I should have intervened before now, but today is as good as any to start. As soon as my carriage is ready, you may follow me to Gatesbridge. I shall retrieve not only Miss Bennet but also my niece. I will no longer bear John’s foolish behaviour.”

With that, Lady Hawthorne quitted the room, leaving the rest to ponder what might happen when they arrived at Gatesbridge Manor.

Georgiana began to sputter, “I… I am afraid. But only for Miss Bennet and Miss Wilkens, not for myself.”

Lord Landingham moved to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Of course you are, sweetheart. We all are,” he breathed into her hair. “You have always cared more about the welfare of others. That is something I have always admired about you.”

Landingham smiled over Georgiana’s head at Audrey, who tried to return it, though her heart was heavy. Marshall’s words of admiration touched on what she had learned only that morning. George Wickham had insinuated himself into her niece’s company at the art gallery by convincing her of his sincerity and persuading her to keep his presence undisclosed.

By keeping that secret, she had almost been taken from them, and her godfather had paid a steep price. If the bullet that grazed Marshall’s head had been one-quarter inch closer, he surely would have died. Watching him now with Georgiana, Audrey wondered if, when he, Fitzwilliam and Richard knew the truth, would they still look upon the young woman’s soft heart as a virtue, or would they think it a liability.